Read Online Gabriel's Atonement by Vickie Mcdonough - Free Book Online Page A

her way to the front of the crowd and read the information about the land run. One hundred and sixty acres. This was the answer to all her problems, she just knew it. Somehow, she had to get Lara to register. Maybe they could get a claim in one of the new towns being plotted out by the land-run officials, find work, and build a clapboard house. Or maybe they could start their own business.
    Even though she knew the age requirements, she checked them again to make sure she hadn’t misread them, and blew out a frustrated sigh. Horse feathers! She missed being old enough to ride in the race by five years.
    Why was she was always too old or too young? Never just the right age—whatever that was.
    Making her way out of the crowd, she spied her best friend coming out of the dressmaker’s shop. “Alma Lou!”
    Her friend glanced around the crowded streets then peered over her shoulder. When she caught sight of Jo, she waved and turned in her direction.
    â€œWhat brings you to town?” Alma Lou carried a thick package wrapped in paper and tied with twine. “Did your sister finally give you a day off?”
    Jo snorted. “Not likely. Lara put Michael down for a nap, and Grandpa was resting, so I snuck into town after Lara headed here.”
    Alma Lou looped her free arm through Jo’s. “I miss seeing you. It seems I hardly ever get to visit with you now that we’re no longer attending school. So, you want a Hires Root Beer?”
    Jo glanced sideways at Alma Lou. “Are you serious? You know I don’t have any money.”
    Her friend shrugged a shoulder. “Daddy gave me enough money to buy a bottle of root beer and some candy, but I’m getting too old for childish things like candy. C’mon.” She tugged Jo back into the dirt street toward the general store.
    â€œThen I’d love one. I’ve never had root beer before.” Though Jo eagerly anticipated her first soft drink, she didn’t think she’d ever get too old to enjoy the sweet taste of candy.
    Alma Lou had grown up since the last time Jo had seen her about a month ago. Her trademark braids were now rolled into a tight bun at her nape, and the dress she wore looked more matronly than Jo would have expected to see on someone her age. Alma Lou even wore the new style of lace-up shoes, but then she always did have the prettiest clothing of anyone in their school.
    Over the years Jo had fought hard not to be jealous of Alma Lou and her wealthy father, who owned the hotel. Her friend always had nicer clothes and better food to eat at lunchtime, but because of Alma Lou’s generous nature, Jo never felt inferior—until now. With her free hand, she tried to hold her skirt out so that it hid her bare feet.
    Ten minutes later, they sat in two rockers in front of the mercantile, drinking their soft drinks.
    Alma Lou took a ladylike sip, wiped her mouth with a lace handkerchief, and looked at Jo. “I have some thrilling news.” Her brown eyes danced with excitement.
    Jo took a long swig, savoring the sweet-tasting drink, thinking she’d never had anything so delicious. A man and woman passed in front of them, casting their shadow on Alma Lou and then Jo. Their shoes tapped softly against the dry wood of the boardwalk. The woman leaned over to the man and whispered something in his ear then giggled. Jo sighed. Would she ever have a beau to cuddle with and whisper sweet words of love to?
    Oh, there were plenty of silly boys back in school who had eyed her golden hair and wanted to claim her as their own, but there’d never been a man in her life. Her thoughts flew back to the handsome dandy.
    Alma Lou shoved her, jostling her soda bottle so that Jo had to tighten her grasp to keep from dropping it. “I’m telling you the most important thing in my life, and you’re not even listening.”
    â€œSorry. I was thinking about something.” Jo pulled her gaze back to her